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I Can’t Homeschool: I Lack Self Control

Encouragement for families unsure of the adventure called homeschooling.

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Homeschooling can seem like a daunting journey, especially for those who are new to the concept. We are unsure of where to start, overwhelmed by the notion of taking on our children’s education, and feel as if we are not enough. One of the many hurdles parents must conquer is fear of lack of self-control. Why would we consider homeschooling a bunch of unruly children when we can’t even control ourselves half the time?

It might seem like homeschoolers have it all together; often, that is the image being portrayed to those around us. We not only school our children, all four of them, but maintain a clean house, always find awesome field trips to go on, have time for ministry, and are pros in the kitchen. The images we post on Instagram would lead you to believe this. Our Facebook posts often share our incredible journeys and advancements in learning. Tweets tell others how much fun we’re having at the moment.

While I certainly hope this is generally true of most homeschooling families – I’d like to think we have fun and enjoy our kids – the truth is not so perfect. The truth is… we’re all lacking somewhere.

I have yet to meet a parent who “has it all together”. Oh, I’ve met some wonderful, loving, Christian families (don’t get me wrong), but, they are not perfect. Those who have been homeschooling a little longer are not doing so because they have reached perfection or have mastered the art of self-control. Rather, they homeschool through the moments of testing and emerge the wiser.

Rest assured, we all have our moments. Let’s be honest. Some of us lack patience (probably a great deal of us); some are lazy. Others stress our children out with high expectations, too much work, or lack of involvement. None of us is perfect.

Here’s the beautiful thing. God didn’t call us to homeschool because we had it all together or because we were such incredible people. He called us to homeschooling because He wanted this for our children and He asked us to be faithful. He isn’t asking you to be perfect, He’s asking you to be obedient to His call.

Each of us is still a work in progress, being molded by our Creator into something better. Allow God to use your imperfect self to bring Him glory. Step out in faith, knowing He will see you through. You can do all things in Christ!

“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus”
Philippians 3:12